Treatment of Anemia

When possible, the cause of the anemia is treated. When the Hb falls dangerously low (eg, < 7 g/dL for patients without cardiopulmonary insufficiency or higher for patients with it), RBC transfusion temporarily increases O2-carrying capacity. RBC transfusion should be reserved for patients

With or at high risk of cardiopulmonary symptoms

With active, uncontrollable blood loss

With some form of hypoxic or ischemic end-organ failure (eg, neurologic ischemic symptoms, angina, tachycardia in patients with underlying heart failure or severe COPD)